Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. is a Virginia non-profit corporation Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. 4345 Charity Neck Road Virginia Beach, VA 23457 757.286.5282 www.circleahome4horses.org VOLUNTEER WELCOME PACKET VOLUNTEER OVERVIEW WHY ARE VOLUNTEERS SO IMPORTANT? Our volunteers help with all aspects of running the non-profit. From barn work (grooming, feeding, cleaning) to handling horses (groundwork, tacking, grooming) to fundraising, to helping with our Children’s program, Circle A volunteers are instrumental to the health and emotional and physical welfare of the horses at Circle A Home for Horses and overall success of the non- profit. WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF OUR VOLUNTEERS? The horses depend on us to give them what they need. When volunteers commit to helping with a certain activity or event, it is important that they follow through and show up for their assignment. If an emergency arises and you can’t come out to complete your assignment, you are expected to contact a Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible so that we can try to find a replacement. Volunteers must keep safety in mind at all times, since horses can be unpredictable. WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT VOLUNTEER CIRCLES REPRESENT? Red Circle-Beginner: At first, you will be escorted by another person at all times and will assist in whatever area you have chosen. Once you are more comfortable and have learned “the ropes”, you will be given more responsibility. Silver Circle-Intermediate (Advisor Level): You have learned about the workings of the farm and are able to answer questions and assist other people. You can now work on your own with direction from one of the staff or a more experienced volunteer. Gold Circle-Advanced (Mentor Level): You are considered accomplished and have learned about all aspects of the farm. You are now in a position to mentor new volunteers. Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. 501c3 Non-profit Organization 4345 Charity Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23457 (757) 286-5282 Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. is a Virginia non-profit corporation ANGEL PROGRAM WHAT ARE HORSE ANGELS? Horse Angels are volunteers who are paired with a specific horse that needs love and attention until they find their forever home. If you would like to become a horse angel, the Angel Coordinator will help match you with a horse when you have completed a minimum of 60 hours as a new volunteer. WHAT ARE THE EXPECTATIONS OF HORSE ANGELS? Horse Angels are expected to spend time with “their” horse at least once or twice per week. You should groom your horse, pick their hooves, refresh their stall, check the water bucket, and make sure they have adequate hay. Look closely for wounds or other issues that need to be addressed. Any issues should be brought to the attention of a staff member. Angels can walk their horse around in the riding ring, give treats (always follow safety rules) and spoil them with much needed attention. Please keep in mind if your horse goes more than 1 week without grooming and attention, a co-angel will step in. If your horse goes 2 weeks without grooming and attention, your horse may be reassigned to someone else, unless you have notified the Horse Angel Coordinator beforehand. Horses often come to Circle A from abusive and/or neglectful situations and not only need grooming and specific health care, but need calm and consistency so they can heal both physically and emotionally. Given time, the bond you create with “your” horse is a treasure for both of you! CAN I RIDE OR LUNGE MY ANGEL HORSE? The horses brought to Circle A require careful evaluation and training in the riding arena. This specialized portion of the horses’ recovery is managed by staff and professional trainers only, as a general rule. Individuals interested in assisting with training measures, may be considered on a case-by-case basis by our Executive Director. Considerations will be based on level of previous riding/training experience, time in the volunteer program, achievement of “Gold Circle- Advanced” level in the volunteer program, etc. Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. 501c3 Non-profit Organization 4345 Charity Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23457 (757) 286-5282 Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. is a Virginia non-profit corporation BARN RULES Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No smoking on any of the grounds. Sign in upon arrival and departure. Report to staff for assignment. No entering stalls without permission. No giving treats to horses on specific diets (ask first). No headphones (safety issue). Carry a cell phone but keep personal calls to a bare minimum. Do not allow feed and sand to go down drains (sweep it). Keep Barn 1 gate closed and rear door closed so as to keep horses out. Keep all stable doors closed/locked. Label drinks and foods that you bring in for yourself. If sharing, horse or human treats, please leave a note. Replace bathroom consumables when necessary. If grooming a horse in the wash stall, clean up after yourself before leaving. Double-check and make sure all barn doors, Tack Rooms, Hay Stall (where we keep the hay) and field gates are closed. Keep all hoses rolled up on racks when not in use. Turn off water. If uncomfortable with a particular horse, ask staff for help. If going out to fields, let someone know. Do not wear sandals or flip-flops. Greet all visitors with a friendly hello and smile! Note: For privacy and the non-profit rules, personal photography is NOT permitted on the property. Photography is handled by organizational and volunteer leadership. Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. 501c3 Non-profit Organization 4345 Charity Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23457 (757) 286-5282 Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. is a Virginia non-profit corporation HORSE TALK Bedding: materials made of wood shavings or compressed pellets (or straw, etc.) used to provide comfort and insulation for horses, as well as absorb urine and droppings. We use mainly pellets at Circle A. Beet Pulp: Special feed for horses, which is rich in energy and protein. Must ALWAYS be soaked before feeding. Bell Boots: Circular rubber boots placed over the feet (hooves) and typically fastened around the pastern with Velcro or a buckle. Bell Boots protect the heel and lower pastern. Bit: Mouthpiece of a bridle. Blanket: A horse coat made out of various materials used for keeping horse warm or as protection from bad weather. Bridle: Headgear with buckles, straps, reins and a bit (usually) used to control the horse when riding. Cribbing: When a horse grinds its incisor teeth on a solid object, most often the top edge of a stable door or fence. Flake: “Slice” of hay from a bale. Fly Mask: A lightweight, mesh visor which covers horses’ eyes and ears to protect from biting insects and sunburn. Fork: Used to pick up and sift out droppings and leave as much clean bedding as possible. Grain: Staple of a horse’s diet (oats, etc.) Halter: Headstall placed around the horse’s head and used with a lead rope for leading or tethering purposes. Hay Net: Nets made of synthetics and used to hold hay up off the floor. Hoof Pick: A vital grooming tool used to clean horses feet. Lunging: Exercising your horse in a circle by way of lunge line. Muck Bucket: Large, round bucket used for holding manure. Mucking: The art of cleaning out a stall. OTTB: Off-the-Track Thoroughbred. Road Apples: Another name for manure. Salt Lick: A salt block or cube that horses can lick at their leisure and therefore provide essential minerals. Spreader: Tractor with machine attached that carries manure to pasture. Tack Room: A room or building which houses equipment and accessories such as saddles, bridles, halters, reins, etc. Saddling up a horse is considering “tacking up.” Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. 501c3 Non-profit Organization 4345 Charity Neck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23457 (757) 286-5282 Circle A Home for Horses, Inc. is a Virginia non-profit corporation HORSE SAFETY Do not walk directly behind a horse. Carry a lead rope at all times. Always look for “signs.” If a horse isn’t eating, is choking or acting odd, report immediately to staff. Never approach a horse from behind without speaking first. Stay a safe distance from the hindquarters. When horses are turned in and out, stay a safe distance away. They often gallop down the lane and trot into the barn. If you are in the way, they will always win. Best to twirl your lead rope end (not clip end) if they come too close to you. Never feed horses whole apples or whole carrots as it is a choking hazard. Best to cut wedges and pieces. When leading horse out to fields, or out of stalls, always halter them and stand by their left front shoulder holding the lead an arm’s length away. Never walk in front of them. Be aware of objects (bags, etc.) that may spook them. Awareness around horses and learning to read their body language is a critical and a learned process (and also fascinating!). Do not offer food openly as several horses may charge you or one another. Be especially careful when approaching congregating horses. During feeding times horses get very anxious so stay a safe distance away. Some horses will fight for the food. DON’T get caught in the crossfire. Don’t approach a horse head-on as they have a blind spot and can’t see you.